The Polk County School Board is examining a number of options as they begin to dive into the fiscal year 2014 budget.

Anything from a 4-day school week to closing schools has been mentioned in budgetary committee discussion as possible revenue saving measures. The board must find a way to fill a $2.5 million shortfall. School system finance director Alan Melson says the board is trying to weigh all the options as they digest projected numbers for next year.

“At this point, I think the board is trying to take the approach to try to build a fund balance and try to make as few personnel cuts as they possibly can, but also going into FY 2015, they know there will be more issues.”

Most board members agree that the system will have to borrow money next year in order to keep an adequate fund balance in the coffers. Budget committee chairman Tommy Sanders made the point that he was totally opposed to any raise in the millage rate.

The school board is also scheduled to meet in Special Session Thursday afternoon. An announcement on a new Superintendent could be made during the 2:30 meeting.